François Chihchung Wu
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
October 24, 2025
(As Prepared for Delivery)
The Honorable Christian Helbig, Director of the Austrian Office Taipei;
Excellencies Ambassadors and Honorable Representatives;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good evening! Guten Abend! [gu-ten ah-bend]
1.Opening
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am delighted to join you for this meaningful reception. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Austria on this joyous occasion.
2.Taiwan-Austria bilateral exchanges
Even though Taiwan and Austria are geographically distant, our ties are strong. First of all, I learned a good news that Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology of Austria has officially recognized Taiwan’s international driver license. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Honorable Christian Helbig, Member of Austria Parliament the Honorable Andreas Minnich, Carmen Jeitler-Cincelli and Fiona Fiedler, who actively helped us communicate with Austria government. I believe that our bilateral exchanges will increasingly closer in the future.
Moreover, Just last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung traveled to Austria. He met with members of the Austrian Parliament and dined with political, business, and cultural leaders. His trip bolstered the already staunch friendship between Taiwan and Austria.
Also in September, a cross-party delegation from the Austrian Parliament visited Taiwan. I am pleased that they had a fruitful stay and returned home with a favorable impression of our country. We look forward to steadily expanding people-to-people and government exchanges.
3.Taiwan-Austria cooperation
This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the National Palace Museum have partnered with European nations to hold the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative. Through numerous events, it highlights the richness and creativity of Taiwan while also promoting cultural understanding.
Indeed, during Minister Lin’s recent trip to Austria, he attended a concert entitled When East Meets West, which was part of the initiative. It featured both Eastern and Western music, including Hakka bayin troupes and members of the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienna Symphony. Moreover, the Vox Nativa Children’s Choir, composed of indigenous children from Taiwan, performed at Saint Peter’s Church in Vienna.
And in December, Taiwan’s National Museum of History and Vienna’s Belvedere Museum will collaborate on a flower-themed exhibition in Taiwan. It will showcase over 60 paintings, including original works by Gustav Klimt.
In addition to people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Taiwan and Austria enjoy a growing economic partnership. Bilateral relations are thriving in domains such as ICT, machinery, smart agriculture, and the bicycle industry. But there is still great potential for deeper cooperation.
Tourism between our countries is also flourishing. We are pleased that direct flights between Taipei and Vienna have been established, facilitating the ease of travel. Based on this solid foundation, we look forward to your support in further enhancing convenience for Taiwanese visitors to Austria.
4.Closing
In closing, may Taiwan-Austria ties continue to go from strength to strength and may both our countries enjoy peace and prosperity. Thank you! Vielen Dank und Viel Erfolg! [fee-len dahnk und feel er-fol’k]